You can make Tomato Soup at home quite easily and freeze into 1 C portion to equal the same amount you get in a can. We can make it gluten-free and to taste. Use as is for a Soup and Sandwich Combo or as an ingredient for other dishes like GMT.

I tested this side by side Campbell’s and realized that Campbell’s is extremely sweet. While this version is a nice blend of flavors and not too sweet. I believe this Tomato Soup to be far better.

You can pick up a full can of Tomato Juice for the same price as 1 can of Campbell’s Tomato Soup. We always have a supply of Tomato Juice and The large hotel cans of Tomato Paste, portioned off into 1/2 C and Frozen. There are just too many uses for these 2 items. One of which is right here for Tomato Soup.

Campbell’s Tomato Soup list their ingredients as

Ingredients
Tomato Puree (Water, Tomato Paste), High Fructose Corn Syrup, Wheat Flour, Water, Contains Less Than 2% Of: Salt, Potassium Chloride, Citric Acid, Natural Flavoring, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Monopotassium Phosphate, Celery Extract, Garlic Oil.

The Basic Components are Tomato Juice & a Thickener with Body or Volume coming from added Butter and Optionally Milk for a Cream Tomato Soup. Salt, Fat, Sugar, Heat & Acid are key here. In this recipe I use Tomato Paste and Cream of Tartar as well as Gelatin for thickening and mouth feel.

Components of Tomato Soup

In its simplest form, it is thickened Tomato Juice. For Bouillon Tomato Soup, the addition of Broth is added without or with a roux for thickening.

Tomato Juice

Tomatoes are the focal point here. Here we can use Tomato Juice, V8 Juice or Tomato Sauce.

Depending on our Tomato Medium we will adjust the Sugar, Salt, Heat, Fat and Acid levels.

Thickener

The Thickener most commonly used is Flour with Butter to create a roux that will thicken the sauce. However, we can use alternatives such as Tomato Paste and/or Potato Starch.

It’s really up to you and your preference. I use the tomato paste as a thickener not only as an alternative to flour but for color as well.

Acid

Depending on the acidic level we may want to add more in the form of Citric Acid, Lemon Juice, Vinegars etc… This is to balance out the flavors and give some brightness to the Tomato Soup.

Fat

Fat in the form of Ghee, Lard, Beef Suet, Cream, Oil, etc.. Give the Tomato Soup Volume and that mouthfeel.

Alternatively we can use Coconut Fat, Olive Oil or any other form of fat.

Sugar

The Sugar content is to lend some sweetness. Forms of sugar can range from White Sugar, Brown Sugar, Cane Sugar, Honey, Molasses, Stevia, Carrots or other form of sugar. You can also achieve a caramelized sweetness from roasting the Tomatoes.

Salt

I don’t really need to say much here besides that Salt is needed to bring out the flavors. However, I do believe that Kosher Salt or Sea Salt are superior and much better than normal Table Salt.

Heat

We’re not looking for spicy here. Just a touch of heat to support the overall seasoning. The Following is a list we can use for heat.

• Black/ White Pepper
• Chili Flakes
• Cayenne Pepper
• Hot Pepper family (Chilies, Jalapeño etc.)
• Sichuan Peppercorns
• Sriracha Sauce
• Hot Sauce

Seasoning

You can add any seasonings you prefer, however we are not looking to diminish the Tomato Flavor. Instead, to support it with Vegetables Herbs & Spices such as the following.

• Onions
• Garlic
• Basil
• Celery
• Carrots
• Bay Leaves
• Vegetable or other Broth Powder
• MSG
• Thyme

Colonel Sanders Tomato Soup

This soup will not curdle or break.

1 qt. tomato juice
1 oz. onion, sliced very thin
2 oz. margarine or butter
1 1/2 oz. flour
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp ground white pepper
3/4 oz. sugar
1 qt. cold milk

Heat juice and onion to boiling – remove the onions. Melt oleo or butter and add the flour. Add to the juice, cook until it thickens. Add the salt, pepper and sugar. Remove from heat and beat in the cold milk. Heat but do not boil.

Tomato Soup Uses

• By itself as a soup with Grilled Cheese or other Sandwich
• Ingredient for Soups, Stews or BBQ Sauce
• Used as the base Sauce for Cabbage Rolls
• Sauce for GMT or Chef Boyardee’s Style Sauce
• Add a tiny amount to Beef Stews
• As a Pizza Sauce with added seasoning and/or Ketchup – This is Greco’s Style Pizza Sauce.

Tomato Soup Variations

• For Bouillon Tomato Soup, add 4 C broth or 4 C Water with 1 Pack Onion Soup Mix.
• For Cream of Tomato Soup, add Cream or Milk and Baking Soda instead of the Cream of Tartar and Don’t Boil. This will prevent curling as the baking soda will neutralize the acid.
• To thicken more, either reduce to thicken and concentrate the flavors or Thicken with Flour or Potato Starch and equal amount of water. Add to the Hot Tomato Soup and whisk.